Raw Honey Treatments

Raw honey is used as a treatment for a variety of needs. Topical treatments for various skin problems like acne and seborrhea dermatitis are one of the common applications of raw honey. It is also used as a natural treatment for allergies and even stomach or intestinal problems.

Treatment Options

• The treatment options vary depending on the problem, but the most common treatment of raw honey is for skin issues. As a topical treatment, it is applied directly to the skin, though some treatments require diluting before application. Otherwise, it is eaten for internal health.

Reasons for Using Raw Honey

• Raw honey is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, so it naturally helps the body heal, prevents infections and clears up any bacteria or fungus causing problems. When used as a treatment for acne and similar skin problems, the honey can help minimize the problem over time. For internal health, it can improve digestion and stomach health.

Tips

• Always use only raw honey rather than "pure" honey because the raw honey is unprocessed and has all of the healing properties without alteration. Pure honey or honey which is processed has removed many of the vitamins and health benefits of raw honey during the process of removing wax and clearing the honey. Raw honey is also good for eating because it contains simple sugars, water and several vitamins and minerals. The vitamins and minerals found in raw honey, like antioxidants, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc, make honey a healthy option for consumption. The website ebeehoney.com states that the darker the honey, the higher the concentration of antioxidants.

Warnings

• Raw honey should not be used directly on an open wound. Chloe Orford, a writer on Live Allergy Free's website, states that the use of raw honey on an open wound can actually make the problem worse, but that there are medicated versions of raw honey which are appropriate for use on open wounds instead. For acne treatment, honey is effective if acne is caused by bacteria, but if it is caused by hormones or irritation, it might only sooth the problem rather than clear it up.